South Portland athletic programs could get a boost in funding after the school board approved an advertising measure for high school sports.

Ads can now be placed in the high school gymnasium and on athletic fields.

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Supporters said the ad revenue will help keep athletic programs accessible for students, and pay for 13 unfunded or eliminated coaching positions.

The school district spends more than $700,000 on its athletic programs, but it falls on parents and boosters to fill the funding gaps.

"But we don't feel boosters, in the long run, should have to get the core elements of a program, which are coaches, uniforms, safety equipment, all of which boosters are doing or parents are doing on their own," South Portland Superintendent Ken Kunin said.

The advertisements would not be allowed in school hallways or classrooms.